For the fans who are new to dmboxing, who did not view this site in the early years, I would like to take you back in time to 2007, 2008, and 2009 by sharing three short, memorable articles of interest.
These articles regard three people whose friendship is something very special to me. It is truly an honor to know them. They are Hank Kaplan, Joe Valverde, and Baron Ron Herron.
The “10” Count
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian (December 16, 2007)
After attending a special boxing Christmas party luncheon in Los Angeles this past Friday, which was sponsored by the California Golden State Boxers Association, I was sadden to Receive the news later that night that I received by a close boxing associate, and friend Jim Carlin – that long time boxing historian icon Hank Kaplan passed away.
In my life time I have been blessed to have met, which I consider, the three greatest boxing historians ever; Al Nelson, Nat Fleischer, and Hank Kaplan.
It was in October 1998, when former World Boxing Hall of Fame president Dub Harris introduced me to Hank. We bonded well with our mutual love for boxing, and to my surprise I was able to spend more than enough time in private with Hank – which to this day I consider a treasure in that memorable time to spend with Hank.
Hank gave me a few gifts, which I still have to this day, but it was one single thing he told me that I will simply never forget, and that I have carried with me for so many years.
He told me, with his sincere wisdom, that if I am to be a boxing historian of any respect – to study and know your trade well, and the gifts will come later.
I actually used that (i.e.) same quote to me, in my speech when I was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame this past September 2007.
A man of great respect in the boxing world, has given me a gift, as well as many others that he touched, will be remembered by his peers as one of, if not the greatest boxing historian of this life time – Hank Kaplan.
Hank was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006 – may God bless is soul in heaven.
A SPECIAL MAN, A SPECIAL PERSON
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian (July 11, 2008)
At the recent California Boxing Hall of Fame ceremony last month, I must say that I was truly honored to be a presenter for inductee Joe Valverde.
I first met Joe back in the mid-nineties, upon my arrival into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, where Joe was Senior Vice President under President Maurice “Dub” Harris. He later served as Executive Vice President.
Joe and I are no longer with the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Joe served seventeen and I served ten years, and during our tenure together we became best of friends with a mutual respect for each other.
Joe is the president of Valverde Construction, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, California, a company that he founded in 1972.
In 1955, Joe married his then high school sweetheart Rose Martinez (no relation to me) they have five children – four sons, one daughter – and eleven grand children.
Just some highlights that I would like to share regarding Joe Valverde are:
First amateur boxing bout as a fighter was on August 17, 1952, and had a career total of 30 amateur fights.
Graduated from John C. Fremont High School in 1954, where that school has inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1997.
Served in U.S. Army 1954 – 1957, with honorable discharge.
Professional boxing career as a lightweight (1955-1960) ring record: 1 win, 1 loss.
Volunteer work for Los Angeles County Sheriff Department for over thirty years (Sheriff’s Relief Foundation, coached boxing team in Police Olympics since 1978, participant in Sheriff’s Baker to Vegas relay Run event, LA County Sheriff’s Service award 1983, LA County Sheriff Exemplary Service award 1989, LA Sheriff Athletics award 1997, and in 2002 Sheriff Lee Baca dedicated a youth center to be named the Joe Valverde Boxing and Learning Center for at risk youths in Whittier, California).
Two time recipient of Joe Louis Humanitarian Award
Inducted into California Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2008
Joe has received many other notable awards, but what makes him so special is his unselfish dedication to all that he does. He gives back to his local community, and his willingness to help others in need is remarkable … my friend, JoeValverde, is truly – a special man, a special person!
Baron Ron Herron
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian (August 9, 2009)
A couple of weeks ago I was a guest on the Santa Barbara (California) News Press radio station KZSB 1290AM, the morning talk show with host Baron Ron Herron.
Baron asked me over a month prior to come on and said let’s talk boxing. So I said yes and brought my boxing world into studio for a very delightful 55 minutes of live talk radio, with a icon that has entertained the radio waves since the early sixties.
I actually first heard Baron Ron Heron in the mid sixties when I was a high school teenager listening to KACY 1520AM, a 50,000 watt radio station that was based out of Port Hueneme, California. At that time it was simply the only station in these parts that everybody tuned in to hear rock’n’roll music – literally.
Baron was simply thee DJ in those days, and after a few stints at other radio stations through the years, he now has his own weekday news radio talk show that is enjoyed by many.
When I was initially invited to be his guest on radio, Baron asked me what date would be best. I had no doubt that it would be on July 15, 2009 because that was the actual day of my two year anniversary of this boxing website – dmboxing – which made it so extra special to be on radio that day too.
We talked nothing but boxing and even had a ring trivia question for a call in contest with my website t-shirt for a prize. I want to personally thank Baron Ron Herron for his hospitality and professionalism and hopefully we can do it again, sooner than later, in the near future.
